You are currently viewing 2 Tricks for Remembering Greater Than and Less Than Signs

What do those small carats that appear to be pointing in the opposite direction? They’re inequalities! Inequalities can be difficult to understand an understanding of, particularly due to both the greater than and lower than signs appear to be alike. However, these symbols can be beneficial, since they let us understand the connection between equations or numbers in a manner that isn’t simply saying that they’re equivalent.

We’ll discuss inequalities, what they are, how they’re represented, and the best way to know which symbol means what.


What Are Greater Than and Less Than Signs For?

Inequalities are math issues that aren’t solved with an explicit “equals” answer–instead, they examine two things and show their relationship rather than proving that one is superior to the other. This is why they are called that “inequality” means that two things don’t match.

The equal sign is a common one. “=” at this moment in math. However “>” and “<” aren’t nearly as popular or even as well-known “>=” as well. “<=”.

Here’s a chart that covers the symbols for inequality:

SymbolMeaning
<The numbers on left are lower that the one on the right. 2 x 3
>Greater than – the value on the left side is higher than that on the other side. 3 > 2
<=less than or equal to the numbers on either side are less or equivalent to the number on the right. 3= 3
>=More than equal to – the numbers on the left are greater or equal to the one on the right. or 3 > 2
The amount on the left is not make the same number as the one on the right. 3

How to Remember Greater Than and Less Than Signs

While both the more and lower than signs are clearly defined however, they can be difficult to understand. They look identical however, the only difference is”does not equal” or “does not equal” sign. How do you distinguish these?

Alligator Method

One of the most effective methods of memorizing one of the best ways to memorize lesser than sign is to picture them as tiny alligators (or Crocodiles) and the numbers on each side representing a certain quantity of fish. The alligator will always want to consume the largest amount of fish, therefore the number the mouth is opened towards is the bigger number.


The mouth of the alligator is opened towards the 4 therefore, even if we weren’t sure that 4 was more significant that 3, the sign would inform us. The signs of inequality show information about the connection between the number 1 and second starting with the first number, which means 4 > 3 means “4 is greater than 3.”



The same thing happens in the reverse direction. If you are looking at 5 8 imagine the sign as a tiny alligator mouth preparing to feast on a fish.

The mouth is pointing at the 8which indicates that 8 is greater than 5. The sign will always reveal the relation between the first and second numbers which is why 5 8 could mean “5 is less than 8.”

If you’re working with inequalities, you could make little eyes out of these symbols so that to remember what they mean. They can be difficult to remember and so don’t be scared to be a bit creative until you’ve got them down!


L Method

This approach is simple–“less than” begins with the letter L, and the symbol that appears most similar to an L signifies “less than.”

The shape of is more like an L than the one of >, which means < means “less than.” Because > does not look like one, so it cannot mean “less than.”

Equal Sign Method

Once you’ve learned using the Alligator as well as the L method and the other symbols, they’re simple! “Greater than or equal to” and “less than or equal to” are just the appropriate symbol that has half an equal sign underneath it. For instance 4 or 3 >= 1 is an increased sign over half an equal sign which means the numbers 4 and 3 will be more than or equal to 1.

It’s the same way too. 1 = 2 or 3 is an over the half-way mark of equal which means that 1 is greater that or greater than 2 or 3.

“doesn’t equal” sign is easy to spot “does not equal” sign is even simpler! It’s a simple equal sign that is crossed out. If you notice an equal sign that is crossed out this indicates an equal sign does not apply. Therefore, 2 3 indicates that 2 doesn’t equal 3.


Key Tips For Working With Inequalities

Inequalities can be tricky. We’re used having a precise and clear solution for math-related problems, but inequalities do not always provide us with this. When working with inequalities, you should keep these points in mind to ease your way into the task.

Inequalities are All About Relationships

Be aware when you’re solving inequalities, they’re generally trying to solve for an association or to determine the appropriate symbol instead of trying to find a specific number. There’s no need to have two numbers either side of the equal sign to get it right. The answer is just to be correct.

Isolate Your Variables

When working on inequalities involving variables, it’s crucial to keep in mind that, generally you’ll want to separate the variable from one side or another. Concentrate on condensing numbers and cancelling out things whenever you can and always with the intention of separating the variable on both sides of the equation.

Negative Numbers Change the Greater Than or Less Than Sign

Be aware that certain actions can turn the sign upside down. If you multiply or divide negative numbers it is necessary to turn over the “greater than” or “less than” sign in conjunction with it.

Don’t Multiply or Divide by a Variable–Most of the Time

If you aren’t certain that a given variable will be positive or negative, do not increase or subtract an inequality by an unknown variable.

Conclusion

Understanding and remembering greater than (“>”) and less than (“<“) signs can be challenging, but with creative methods, it becomes easier.

Alligator Method: Imagine the inequality signs as hungry alligators, with their mouths always open towards the larger number. This visual helps reinforce which symbol represents the greater or lesser value.

L Method: The symbol for “less than” (<) resembles the letter “L”, making it a simple way to remember that it means “less than”. The opposite applies for “greater than” (>).

Once these basic signs are understood, additional symbols like “greater than or equal to” (≥), “less than or equal to” (≤), and “does not equal” (≠) follow easily.

By using these methods and tips, anyone can master inequalities and effectively work through math problems involving them.